[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6152709,"mediaKeyId","5496857-cc4d4647d0697212573078f200888d77","parentId",5496857,"title","Jackson County sets tentative millage rate at 7.945; first budget hearing set for Sept. 9","audioSeconds",518,"startMs",1611000,"endMs",2129000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5496857-cc4d4647d0697212573078f200888d77&start=1611&end=2129","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5496857-cc4d4647d0697212573078f200888d77/thumbnail_1611000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6152709/Jackson-County/Florida/Jackson-County-sets-tentative-millage-rate-at-7945-first-budget-hearing-set-for-Sept-9","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6152709-d079df470fabf2b0a8d95ae1f6b81a4c/orig.mp4?Expires=1771089880&Signature=F6N5LN3bu6XtHUAeHbfHgGLKojoWoyqL-cu2fn80EnkDC1kUbE3G15azUQc2TDpSj~lJ1Mrsi~OS9uc301L8M2h8fxXqdCDKXc4pp4JQHavTnC69fpFrPP5F9z54XwNJcYkFs1o4LjFhB7cTYrVs84SQ33b8jlU6xrOHW~-IHbZ59SIpmlKQt6cldCzeRQ45eHGIkySBhwRMpQUER3xoNjU9bNU8KF62oY~gTsO7V~5wbn7pVAZH8du2idM4yDwKSwj33t3yb2ynK1BiVoJzJjHIe4Eibi4wk~C96F5qjomJT4NvtOy2gWBfzfeG9-i6FhulcQV1kL4-S2cS33tmlQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Jackson County, FL ","date","2025-07-29T13:59:40Z","article","Jackson County’s Board of County Commissioners voted to set the proposed tentative millage rate at 7.945 and to advertise that rate as a tax increase; the board also scheduled the first public budget hearing for Sept. 9. The action came during a budget workshop where staff presented a draft balanced budget that relies on roughly $1,200,000 in carryover funds.

County staff said higher property values mean the same millage rate will generate additional revenue; commissioners discussed estimates mentioned in the meeting ranging from about $707,100 to $764,229 in additional tax revenue tied to the higher assessed values. The staff presentation noted that state rules require the county to advertise the tentative rate as a tax increase when assessed values cause higher revenue even if the millage rate itself does not change.

Commissioners and staff discussed related budget assumptions, including that the draft does not yet include most capital improvement projects and that staff will reconvene near September to finalize special projects after a clearer picture of carryover funds. Staff also reported ongoing FEMA reimbursement work and noted an amounts set aside for possible repayments related to prior storm projects; the board said the money set aside would not come out of the operating budget if repayment is required.

Discussion during the meeting touched on how property appraisals and the homestead cap affect taxable values. Commissioners and staff reported that homestead assessments are limited by state rules (discussed during the meeting as a 3% cap on homestead increases) while commercial and newly sold properties may be revalued at higher amounts and trigger higher tax collections for the county even with an unchanged millage rate.

The motion to set the tentative millage at 7.945 was put forward during the workshop and carried by the board; staff said the rate must be advertised as a tax increase under state rules and that the board cannot increase the tentative rate after it is advertised but can lower it before final adoption.

Less critical details discussed included the county’s ongoing FEMA claims work, the timing of a special meeting to identify capital purchases, and staff guidance to departments to postpone nonessential purchases starting Sept. 1 while carryover projections are finalized.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Jackson County Board of County Commissioners - FY 25-26 Budget Hearing - July 29, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Jackson County’s Board of County Commissioners voted to set the proposed tentative millage rate at 7.945 and to advertise it as a tax increase; the board scheduled the first public budget hearing for Sept. 9.","taxTitle","Jackson County, Florida","taxId",27854,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6152696,"County plans special projects meeting to prioritize capital needs including five motor graders and 15 leased vehicles",76,1740000,1816000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5496857-cc4d4647d0697212573078f200888d77&start=1740&end=1816","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5496857-cc4d4647d0697212573078f200888d77/thumbnail_1740000.jpg","/articles/6152696/Jackson-County/Florida/County-plans-special-projects-meeting-to-prioritize-capital-needs-including-five-motor-graders-and-15-leased-vehicles","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6152696-b792d1a6cf2bcb007c45ab9356ca2d91/orig.mp4?Expires=1771089880&Signature=Dr54gmbenw-e7pK13YbHq4NzET0LBfnpoLq9fkDzXYdbf3rkNm~rmmCJnpL-CgZLbCpzr-P0QiT6kdFN7i3oQ-LhpH5HCTGmo2Uc4QssCnDZ8W4o20Am9W0I4fhmoFkFDzpOHWb4jtwiWYnTqxsg3YDBHoYQhi2mrNBVSnyEm3BFYbas3Vjs8S2ZN5zMmDzWsoM3gS7z58D9erz4W7q-dLb3dsjMpRkmSdKDflHQcpBZ94svVhMp5ycZu3VLY8pRG8957Ut1ypiKVIB2l8UJlsMdjWeHVE7w5bbQKKH6R0ZIv3fuIzsgSEvelRGr1yG3hmqu7rWWZV0jNjdX9MxURQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","County staff told the Board of County Commissioners the draft budget contemplates options for capital outlay but does not currently fund most capital improvements beyond two items included for planning: five motor graders coming off lease in February 2026 and about 15 leased vehicles the county is considering purchasing or re-leasing. Staff said financing options are being explored, including purchase versus lease and potential bank financing structured like a lease.

Because the draft budget already assumes use of roughly $1.2 million in carryover funds, staff recommended a separate special-projects meeting near September to finalize which capital items can be funded once carryover totals are clearer. Commissioners discussed whether to buy the graders outright (to retain resale value later) or to finance them and noted the need to include maintenance and operator capacity in any procurement decisions.

The board directed staff to prepare capital options and hold the special projects/capital review meeting in early September so the commission can make final decisions in the September budget cycle.","Staff told commissioners the draft budget includes consideration of five motor graders coming off lease in Feb. 2026 and 15 leased vehicles; staff will hold a special projects meeting in September to identify capital purchases once carryover amounts are clearer.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6152700,"Board includes $1,650 staff pay increase in draft budget; exemptions and cost impacts discussed",415,1168000,1583000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5496857-cc4d4647d0697212573078f200888d77&start=1168&end=1583","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5496857-cc4d4647d0697212573078f200888d77/thumbnail_1168000.jpg","/articles/6152700/Jackson-County/Florida/Board-includes-1650-staff-pay-increase-in-draft-budget-exemptions-and-cost-impacts-discussed","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6152700-55dc5cdae4676cba81441debe71fd381/orig.mp4?Expires=1771089880&Signature=Z2yETEldckT~boxqvY8uPWaT92tRNsVh5oi5weSppbsUsXxD0wgx6Sp1V7sji7c12IU1HISYP3YnI7jLfGnQaBO0TJmr12JhzOhXwfSM28TBU~ONB6xvbYqQLGh0vuWqexIilLoReuT~8I7FdnvTc~WI~kkcb52F7WKcjPFWvzMgcWO0gS~RoVB7ZM5oHok1C3j4qAiq4Pizxq3M-CBzfYxi2U4JunmpvN2haKZY1Dzvw1tEw5q0eGFrOM7g9V9nGbdJsQbVI6CzKtIgkkpVvq3rGdL5l9TNaOJpCd3vZKH1sBXLzWAZJg2PVV6cdZ8w10Uq6LrUpJAE6jXy7DH3zg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Jackson County staff presented a draft budget that includes a $1,650 pay increase for county employees; staff estimated the cost of that increase at approximately $4,415,000 for non‑sworn employees. The presenter and commissioners discussed excluding sworn correctional and sheriff’s office officers — who are receiving a separate increase funded by an FDLE grant — and excluding employees who recently received a $2/hour raise, which staff said would reduce the draft budget cost by roughly $90,000 to $100,000.

Commissioners raised concerns about retention in high-turnover departments, including road and bridge, and discussed how the $1,650 increase interacts with recent targeted $2/hour raises for certain positions. Staff clarified that the budgeted amount includes adjustments to the bottom of pay ranges, so future hires would start at the new minimums where changes have been authorized. The board debated whether removing the $1,650 item for some employees would be counterproductive to recruiting in certain departments.

During the workshop a motion to include the pay increase in the proposed budget was made and seconded; the motion passed during the meeting. Staff and commissioners asked for final pay-range and hiring-cost details to be included in materials presented at the September public hearings.","The draft budget includes a $1,650 annual pay increase for county staff (budgeted cost about $4.415 million excluding sworn jail and sheriff officers). Staff and commissioners discussed excluding employees who recently received a $2/hour increase and sworn officers funded by an FDLE grant to reduce cost by about $90,000–$100,000.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6152704,"Commission discusses trimming employee HRA card amounts to reduce budget need",891,261000,1152000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5496857-cc4d4647d0697212573078f200888d77&start=261&end=1152","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5496857-cc4d4647d0697212573078f200888d77/thumbnail_261000.jpg","/articles/6152704/Jackson-County/Florida/Commission-discusses-trimming-employee-HRA-card-amounts-to-reduce-budget-need","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6152704-c605e88eff08d3f030f42808234f7e4b/orig.mp4?Expires=1771089880&Signature=KZf4~heNrw4rpns6YGmLPQNP5VDJUppUIOWrosYyzOTtJYmVxczka6rIvs40g-4pAGEj5QQO7SHKampZGIC8lNfSgZB~j9EVCbWtyi78NnK~GAAzHT8~Y8s7rzPPU1Kh-PJWEdXOMMs4D3juOJMz9EHdZDrPY-4nTmkpJ1d8ts0biajD77n2kZyrZjePNaN0c09~w-bsJMfIQydZlB41TcWxz78ZK8GiumcUPZJL0Q9M-5cKrK8vUka7B6BZXZipJzMKK1FEs1dauTtex1h08~3XUu6Z5GB-1hLtd2Yb65vEtdsfpIknDlv0oQI95hQsNT-qcdsLz9zpPR877iPrlQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Jackson County staff told the Board of County Commissioners that the draft budget includes Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA) debit cards for employees, with the program currently budgeted at about $400,000. Staff described average per-person card balances in the meeting as roughly $1,200 to $1,500 and said the county could reduce the per-card amount — for example, to $1,000 — to lower the projected budgeted cost.

Staff explained the HRA cards were introduced when the county moved to a higher-deductible health plan; the county adopted the cards to offset employees’ out-of-pocket exposure under the high-deductible option. In the meeting staff provided figures for plan design as discussed: single coverage on the card was described as $1,250, family coverage as $1,750, and couples as $2,500; staff also said actual billed amounts vary because some employees do not use the cards and some use the full available balance, producing a budget-to-actual difference.

Commissioners asked how much of the budgeted HRA dollars are typically spent. Staff responded that recent actual usage has been about $300,000 in claims against the cards, producing carryover in prior years of roughly $100,000. Commissioners and staff also discussed options to reduce the budgeted HRA amount (for example lowering per-card limits) and asked staff to account for households where two county employees share coverage.

By the end of the discussion at the workshop several commissioners indicated a preference to keep the HRA benefit in the budget as proposed, though staff was asked to exercise discretion in implementing any changes to card limits and to return final numbers in the September budget cycle.","County staff told commissioners the draft budget includes approximately $400,000 for employee Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA) debit cards; commissioners discussed lowering per-employee card amounts to cut budgeted cost and asked staff to exercise discretion for dual-employee households and family plans.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Jackson County sets tentative millage rate at 7.945; first budget hearing set for Sept. 9

County plans special projects meeting to prioritize capital needs including five motor graders and 15 leased vehicles

Board includes $1,650 staff pay increase in draft budget; exemptions and cost impacts discussed

Commission discusses trimming employee HRA card amounts to reduce budget need